The Hindu : New Delhi News : Power plant gets Ministry clearance

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Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007
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Power plant gets Ministry clearance

Staff Reporter

Plan to increase capacity to 1,600 MW

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government's ambitious project to augment the Pragati Power Corporation's capacity from 1,000 MW to 1,600 MW at Bawana has received the mandatory environmental clearance from the Union Environment and Forests Ministry.

The Power Department proposes to enhance the capacity of the plant by installing advanced class gas turbines that have a higher efficiency and in-built low nitrogen oxide (NOX) burners.

"We have already carried out a survey of the NOX levels in the area. The NOX levels at present in that areas stand at 10 micrograms/cubic meter and the plant once it begins will add only 20 micrograms/cubic meter more to the existing levels," said a senior Delhi Transco official.

"We have also assured that we will maintain a green belt around the plant," he added.

Because of the plant's proximity to the upcoming diplomatic enclave, the Power Department has been asked to maintain the necessary green cover in the area.

The Pragati Power Corporation had earlier withdrawn the proposal to start a power station near the Nizamuddin bridge. This was done in compliance with the Central Pollution Control Board's suggestion. The CPCB had asked the Power Department to reconsider the plans to set up the plant, which would further increase the concentration of NOX in the area, which is densely populated and records high vehicular movement.

A Power Department official said: "The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has been approached to revise their consent to establish this enhanced capacity of 1,600 MW."

Officials also pointed out that work on the plant would begin in December and the project would be fully commissioned by 2010 before the Commonwealth Games.

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